Pessary



July 20, 1937.

PESSARY Filed Jan. 14, 1935 #www n Patented July 20, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

The object of my invention is to provide a pessary which is simple, durable and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

A further object is to provide a pessary of the 5 diaphragm type having the following improved characteristics:

1. Oval in shape so that it is more anatomically correct producing a better fit in the vaginal canal.

2. The pessary or diaphragm has an off center pocket to fit the cervix, the off center position of which makes it possible to fit services in normal position or those tipped forwardly by reversing the diaphragm end for end.

A further object is to provide a diaphragm which, due to its shape, can be inserted in the vaginal canal in a more facile manner.

Still a further object is to provide a diaphragm having a pocket positioned for better fitting to reduce bulkiness thereof whereby to provide a less obstructive and more comfortable and practical diaphragm.

With these and other objects in view my invention consists in the construction, varrangement and combination of the various parts of my device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth,

pointed out in my claim, and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a plan View of my improved contraceptive diaphragm.

Figure 2. is an anatomical cross section showing the diaphragm in place in the vaginal canal, the diaphragm being shown in side elevation.

Figure 3 is a similar view showing the diaphragm reversed to fit a cervix tipped forwardly, the diaphragm being shown in cross section.

Figure 4 is a plan view showing the diaphragm applied to an inserting instrument.

Figure 5 is a side view of Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 6-6 of Figure 4.

On the accompanying drawing, I have used the reference character A to indicated generally my pessary.- It comprises a diaphragm I0 formed of flexible resilient material such as rubber. Its edge is reinforced by a coiled spring I2 imbedded in a bead like rim Il formed of the diaphragm material.

The diaphragm is oval in shape, for several desirable purposes which will hereinafter appear. In cross section the diaphragm l0 is slightly concave-convex with the exception of a pocket I6 projecting from the general plane thereof.

'Ihe pocket I6, it will be noted, is off center (Cl. 12S-127) relative to the diaphragm I0, it being closer to one end thereof than to the opposite end. This feature also is important as will hereinafter be set forth. l

Diaphragms heretofore used have been round instead of oval in shape as shownpon my drawing. In Figure 2, the device A is shown in position for use. The vaginal canal is illustrated at I8, the womb at 20 and the cervix `or mouth thereof at 22. The pocket I6 is filled with .antiseptic jelly before the diaphragm is inserted and it is quite important that the edge or rim I4 of the device A fit the vaginal canal walls.v It is also important that the pocket I6 is positioned over the cervix.y 15

Since the vaginal canal is deeper than it is Wide, the oval shape of the diaphragm is more adaptable to the shape of the vagina and therefore the pressure around the rim is evened by using theoval shape. With round diaphragms,` the diaphragm must necessarily be distorted 20 when in position, tending to extend the sides and contract the ends of the diaphragm, thus producing an uncomfortable feeling in the wearer and an imperfect fit. The oval shape also adapts thediaphragm more readily to association with an inserting instrument 24 asshown in Figures 4 and 5. There is less distortion of an oval diaphragm than there would be of a round one when opposite edges` thereof are hooked over the hooks 26 and 28 `of the instrument. The diaphragm is thus less bulky so that insertion is more readily accomplished.

If the cervix is in a non-normal position, i. e. tipped forwardly toward the bladder 23, as in Figure 3, the diaphragm may be reversed end for end so that the pocket I6 will be forwardof' f the center instead of rearwardly as in Figure 2. Thus the diaphragm may be fitted properly, with the inner end at the bottom of the vaginal canal and the pocket kI6 covering the cervix whether the cervix is adjacent'or tipped forwardly away from the bottom of the vaginal canal.

The features described in connection with my diaphragm, it will be obvious, contribute to a better t and thereby greater comfort to the wearer.

Some changes may be `made in the construction and arrangement of the parts of my device without departing4 from the real vspirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to 50 cover by my claim, any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents, Awhich may be reasonably included within its scope.

I claim as my invention: y

A pessary comprising a reinforcing ring ar- 55 ranged in a single plane, a flexible diaphragm extending thereacross and depending slightly from the plane thereof, said ring and diaphragm being oval shaped to conform to the vaginal tract, said diaphragm having a pocket which is only slightly pronounced, the bottom of said pocket depending still further from said plane,

said pocket being locatedk closer to one end of said oval shaped diaphragm than to the opposite end thereof whereby said diaphragm may be turned end for end to flt a cervix positioned forwardly in the vaginal tract.

RUFUS W. SCO'I'I. 

